The next day being Saturday and a half-holiday; Bob proposed as we were dressing that we should go as far as the sea, which was only a matter of about two miles and a half from the school. We all greeted the suggestion with warm approval, and I especially looked forward to it, as I had never yet had an opportunity of looking upon the ocean.
During the morning we met Williams and asked him if anything had happened in his dormitory the night before.
"Davenport started on Elgar again," he replied. "He tied his hands behind his back, and made him stand up against the fireplace with nothing on until we had all undressed, and then he and Lawrence began to chuck wet sponges at him. I called out to them to leave Elgar alone, and then they turned on me, but I said that if they touched me I would shout till someone came, and that stopped them. They knew that they would get into a bother if anyone did find them out, and, seeing they were a bit funky, I got up and ran to the door. I held this open, and then told Benson to go and loose Elgar and put him to bed. Davenport got into a towering rage and called me frightful names, but I didn't care, only telling him that if he tried on any more nonsense I would be straight to Chadwick and bring him in, as we had made up our minds not to put up with my more of his bullying or let him keep on pitching into Elgar. He got quite white with passion, but Lawrence slunk back to bed and advised him to do the same, so we had our own way, and Elgar got some peace for the rest of the night."
"You did splendidly," exclaimed Bob. "You're a little brick Williams. If you go on like that you won't have any more trouble with Mr. Davenport. But I'm going to have a talk to him myself this evening, and that will settle it once and for all."
We had arranged to set off directly after lunch, but before leaving I saw Williams again. He had his cap on, and I asked him where he was going.
"Davenport said he and Lawrence were going for a walk;" replied Williams; "and he told Sturgess and Benson and Elgar and me that he wanted us to come as well. He was very cunning, and mentioned the thing to Mr. Chadwick, so we had to say we would go when Chadwick talked to us. However, somehow Davenport seemed much nicer to us all of a sudden, and he actually told Elgar that he hoped he hadn't hurt him with his games. I don't know what has come over him, but perhaps he sees that he has been going it a bit too strong. I hope so, anyhow, as I'm sure we don't want to make any bother, and if he only played ordinary jokes on us we should never say a word."
"I shall be awfully glad if you are right," I said; "although it might be that he has got an inkling of Rutherford's being about to take the matter up. Anyhow, I don't think you ought to have anymore trouble, after what you say. You don't know where you are going to, I suppose?"
"I heard Davenport say something about the sea, but I'm not quite sure, "Williams answered.
"Really!" I exclaimed. "That is where we're going. Perhaps we might see you, then."
Shortly after this we setout for our walk, striking across the fields and through the woods in a direct course for the sea. It was a beautiful, clear day near the end of May, the air was quite hot; and everything breathed of summer in this favoured part of the land. The trees were in full leaf, the meadows were sheets of wild-flowers, and our ears were filled with the song of birds and the babbling music of the many brooks for which "fair Devon" is noted. Bright-coloured moths and butterflies flitted and hovered before us, and me multitudinous sights and sounds of the: country broke in upon me with such a pleasurable effect that; combined with the happy freedom of the moment, the joy of existence forced itself upon my consciousness more keenly than it had ever done before, and I raised my voice in a merry, lilting song.
"Charlie is in good spirits today, isn't he?" cried Jimmy. "Yes," replied Bob with a smile. "But he had better be careful how he airs his notes, or Mr. Percival will be capturing him for the choir:"
On we went; trudging through the long grass and picking our way amid the gnarled and moss-grown trunks of the trees, until our further progress was barred by a rivulet rather too broad for us to leap. We walked slowly along the bank seeking a convenient place to cross without getting wet.
"There is a lot of fish in here, I am sure!" said Jimmy, climbing out on to a fern-draped boulder that overhung the stream, and peering into the crystal depths below.
We looked, but only caught the reflection of the duke's face mirrored on the placid surface of the water.
"All I can see down there is you, Jimmy!" said Bob. "I say, you chaps! He looks just like that fellow we were reading about in class the other day-Narcissus you know! who caught sight of his face in a river once, and thought himself so pretty that he couldn't take his eyes away, and then he fell in and got drowned."
"Shut up, you ass!" replied Jimmy, trying to look annoyed. "There you are! I told you there were some fish here; I can see lots."
"Well, it doesn't matter!" exclaimed de Beaupre; "we haven't got anything to catch them with, so they can stop. And we shan't get very far this afternoon if we are going to hang about like this."
Not many yards farther on, the stream narrowed, and there were big stones in it which enabled us to step across easily. From here we met with no more interruptions, and Bob told us that we should soon get to the coast. The ground began to rise gradually towards the cliffs which faced the sea, but Bob took us by a path which led through a picturesque, winding gorge, carpeted with short grass and decked with a profusion of creepers and flowering shrubs, down which a tiny river ran in a succession of little waterfalls and rapids on its way to the bosom of the ocean. This turned sharply at the end, and we emerged straight on to the shore.
I could not help uttering an exclamation of delight at the unwonted spectacle. Before us stretched the broad expanse of the sea, its deep-blue surface agitated by a gentle ripple and shining bright beneath the beams of the afternoon sun. Behind rose a tall bulwark of perpendicular cliffs, their scarped and rugged surface ornamented with a drapery of lichens and climbing plants which found foothold in every nook and cranny. The arch of the firmament was above all, and I followed its translucent expanse right out to where on the distant horizon it melted and mingled with the deep amethyst of the sea. I was full of speechless admiration at the glory of the prospect. A wide strip of yellow sand separated the cliffs from the waterline and across this we raced to where the mimic wavelets plashed musically on the smooth firmness of the shore, and drew back only to cast themselves up again with playful sport. I had caught the sea in one of its gayest humours, and as I bathed my hands gleefully in its babbling margin, I found it hard to conceive that it had its terrible moods, too, although I knew that at times this coast was subject to fearful storms, when the great, foam-capped billows rushed in with a force that threatened to lay low the proud rocks themselves.
My comrades laughed good-humouredly at my new-found pleasure, and I followed them slowly along the edge of the water, noting with interest the many varieties of seaweed and shells that strewed the sands, the little crabs that scuttled away at our approach as fast as their tiny legs would carry them, and all the strange marine plants and animals that I now encountered for the first time.
Arriving at length at a miniature bay or inlet, in front of which a line of sunken rocks formed a natural breakwater, Jimmy proposed a bathe. "It would be just splendid," he said. "It's not a bit cold, and it will be the first bathe of the season."
"But we have no towels or bathing-dresses," I objected. "What does that matter?" replied the duke. "We can easily run about and get dry. And as for bathing-dresses, there is no one else about-and I suppose you don't mind us seeing you?" he added, with a laugh at me.
I smiled in turn, and there being no further opposition, the proposal was carried. We quickly stripped, and were soon splashing to our hearts' content in the briny element, and throwing showers of water over each other in high spirits. Although I had never been in the sea before, I was able to swim, having been used to bathe in the lake at home, and the others were all experienced practitioners of the art. The water did not seem particularly cold, and we came out before we had time to get too chilled. After the bathe, we took to romping and running races on the level sands, and the exertion, united to the effects of the sun, soon dried our bodies. When tired of this, we sat down beneath the shadow of the overhanging rocks to put on our clothes again.
"I think we owe something to Jimmy for his suggestion," said Bob. "We should have missed a treat if we had not had that bathe."
"I'm glad you have recognised my good qualities for once," returned Jimmy. "But, I say!" he added; 'doesn't the sea- water shrivel one's cock up? Just look at mine! You can hardly see it."
"You haven't got much to shrivel up, Jimmy," retorted Bob. "But never mind! I dare say it will grow in time. And really! I can't see that it's much smaller than usual."
"You needn't talk, Bob! I see yours is just the same. Why, mine is three times as big as this, generally. Just look!"
Jimmy pressed himself forward for Bob's inspection, holding his cock between his finger and thumb, and as Rutherford bent over to make believe that he had to get very close in order to be able to observe it at all, Jimmy sent a stream of warm urine right into his face.
"All right! you little blackguard. I'll pay you out for that," cried Bob, wiping his streaming features. The duke dashed away with a loud laugh, and Bob bounded after him. After a long chase, the offender was caught and brought back for punishment. Bob pinned him to the ground, holding his wrists with one hand, and then, kneeling over him, used his cock as a sort of hose and sent all the contents of his bladder in a hot, steaming jet over Jimmy's face and neck and shoulders, making him screw up his eyes and turn from side to side in a vain attempt to escape the stream. When Bob had completed his revenge, he let him go, and Jimmy ran down to the sea and washed himself.
This little diversion over, we set about dressing in earnest, and started on our journey again, making for a point not far distant where Bob said there was another gorge leading inland.
"You can get any amount of birds' eggs here," said Bob, as we went along. "Thompson and I made quite a fine collection between us; I've got a case full at home now. We had one or two narrow squeaks, too, in climbing about."
We had nearly got to the point which Bob had indicated, when, on rounding a buttress in the cliffs, we descried a group of boys who were assembled just within the mouth of a rather large cavern,
"Look!" exclaimed Bob, motioning to us to halt. "Isn't that Davenport there?"
"Yes!" I cried, "Young Williams told me that Davenport and Lawrence had notified all the chaps in their dormitory that they wished for their company this afternoon, and he said he thought they were going to the beach."
"That's them right enough!" said Jimmy. "There is Williams in front, and I can see Sturgess and Benson; and Elgar and Davenport Minor are just behind. I say! can't we give them a little surprise?"
"Here's an opportunity for revenge, Charlie!" said Bob. "They've fallen right into our hands."
"What a lark!" exclaimed Jimmy, throwing his cap up into the air, and catching it again. "What shall we do Bob?" de Beaupre pulled Bob's arm, and drew from his pocket a box of paints which he was in the habit of using for sketching purposes sometimes, having a little talent in this direction.
"The very thing!" said Bob, pouncing upon it. "Charlie, you shall have payment with interest of all that Davenport and Lawrence owe you. Won't they be wild! Now, let's get ready for the onslaught!"
"What are they doing?" said Jimmy, watching the group attentively. "Look! they've got Benson down and are taking his cock out."
Peering cautiously round the corner, we saw that this was the case. "This is going to be a bit of fun," exclaimed Bob. We needn't wait here any longer. Let's go straight up to them. Charlie and I will take Davenport, and you two can manage Lawrence. We needn't worry about the others. They won't interfere, and, in fact, they'll be only too pleased to see the tables turned. Now, walk slowly! Don't make a rush; and they'll never suspect anything until we have them nicely. Wait a minute! Have we got anything that we could tie them up with? That would be still better."
"Yes," replied Jimmy. "I've got a couple of little straps in my pocket. They will be just the things for their hands. And your and Blackie's belts, Bob-they're leather; they will do splendidly for their legs. Won't it be glorious!" he added, rubbing his hands gleefully at the prospect; "they'll be just like a pair of trussed turkeys."
"Come on, then!" said Bob; and we boldly rounded the corner and made straight for the little crowd.
"Hallo!" shouted Rutherford, as we approached; "where have you chaps sprung from? Who would have thought of meeting you here! I fancied we had the whole beach to ourselves."
They roused themselves as we advanced, and Davenport and Lawrence released Benson, who hurriedly buttoned up his breeches.
"We thought we'd like some sea-air this afternoon, the same as you, I suppose!" said Davenport in answer to Rutherford.
"Yes! It's a treat to get to the seaside after having been boxed up in the country for come time, isn't it?" continued Bob, casually sitting down a little to the rear of Davenport. "Have you been amusing yourselves?" he added, casting a sly glance towards Benson.
Davenport laughed, and Lawrence joined in with his idiotic giggle. "We were just having a look at Benson's little concern when you came up," said the elder boy.
"So I could see," returned Bob. "I say, Davenport! I don't believe you and Lawrence have ever shown us yours. You seem to have been having a display in that line. Suppose you oblige us now?"
I had placed myself by Davenport's side, awaiting the signal for attack as Bob spoke, he caught Davenport by the shoulders and pulled him backwards, while at the same instant I seized him round the legs and gripped with all my force. Jimmy and de Beaupre had meanwhile dashed upon Lawrence with equal success. The suddenness of our actions had taken them by surprise, and, having had no chance for resistance, they were helpless in our grasp and sprawling on their backs like two turtles.
Davenport struggled desperately, but: Bob had him in a firm hold. "It's no use!" he said; "you can't get away. Besides, there's nothing to make a fuss about. We only going to do what you are very fond of doing to other chaps. There was Benson just now. And then, what about Powerscourt here? You didn't ask his permission when you got hold of him the other day, did you? Chuck over that strap, Jimmy!"
Davenport made one last furious effort; exclaiming, "Shut up, Rutherford! Don't fool about!" but Bob did not trouble to vouchsafe a reply, and bringing all his superior strength into play, in a few minutes succeeded in securely fastening our captive's wrists together with the strap. This done, it was a work of little trouble to pass his belt round Davenport's ankles and buckle it tightly. This left us free to go to the assistance of Blackie and the duke, who, although they were able to hold Lawrence firmly, had not yet been successful in tying him. With our aid, however, this was short work, and in very quick rime the two lay bound hand and foot and completely at our mercy.
The younger boys had stood looking on all this time without saying a word, but evidently not at all displeased at the new turn which affairs had taken.
"These chaps have had a monopoly of this cocking business up to now," said Bob, with an exasperating smile at the prisoners; "it is only right that there should be a little variety sometimes. I'm sure you have no objection, Davenport; nor you either, Lawrence, have you?"
"You have taken us at a disadvantage," cried Davenport, extremely angrily. "These straps are hurting too!"
"Oh, no!" went on Bob. "I'm sure that is only your fancy. Well; are you quite ready? If so, we will go on."
Davenport knitted his brow and bit his lips, but Rutherford still kept the same calm and slightly mocking smile on his lips. "It's very kind of you, really! to give us this opportunity," continued Bob. "However, we won't keep you any longer in suspense. Let's start with you, Davenport!"
He leisurely knelt and proceeded to loosen Davenport's clothing, while that unfortunate individual frowned with vexation. He could do absolutely nothing, however, and had to submit with the best grace he could, while Bob, who was determined to make a thorough job of his undertaking, pulled his captive's trousers down to his knees and turned up his shirt, exposing all the middle part of his body.. Davenport went a deep red to the roots of his hair as we all gathered round to have a look at him. He was not a particularly well- made fellow, being rather thin in proportion to his height, and his limbs were loose-jointed and angular. His cock was long and slender, with a disproportionately large and misshapen head, and his balls, which were fairly large, hung flabbily underneath. Neither was their appearance improved by the short, stubbly growth of ginger hair that exhibited itself around these parts.
"There you are, you chaps!" said Bob, glancing round at Elgar and the others. "You had better have a good look now that you have a chance."
They pressed forward, doing their best to hide their amused faces, and adding greatly to Davenport's chagrin. Williams boldly took hold of his cock; in order to examine it better, and pressed the skin back sharply, causing its owner to utter a sharp ejaculation.
"Stop it,W1lliams! or you'll be sorry presently," he shouted.
"It's all right, Davenport; don't get excited!" exclaimed Bob. "You'll forgive Williams, I know, afterwards; besides, it's only tit for tit."
When all the youngsters had satisfied their curiosity, Bob begged them to clear away.
"What are you going to do, now?" asked Davenport, With some misgiving.
"Nothing much!" replied Bob, "I'm only just going to decorate you a little."
"Look here!" bellowed Davenport; "I'm not going to stand any more. Just let me go, and don't fool about."
"Oh, come, Davenport! you're not going to chuck it up like that; are you?" continued Bob, with an irritating look of entreaty. "You ought to thank us for trying to improve your appearance; and I'm sure you will when we've finished. Now, please keep quite still. Be sure and don't move, or you will spoil the effect." Davenport's face darkened, but he saw there was no alternative but to grin and bear the ordeal.
De Beaupre fetched a little water in a shell in order to mix the paints with, and then Bob proceeded to display his command of the brush on Davenport. The latter lay with hot cheeks, and eyes burning with helpless fury, unable to move. All he could do was to grind his teeth while Rutherford went on to ornament his belly and thighs with rosettes and spots and fanciful designs in vermilion and green and indigo. His task took some little time, but when it was finished he stood up, and we all gathered round to see the result, while Davenport almost collapsed at this humiliation before those whom he had been accustomed to lord it over. He certainly presented a ludicrous spectacle, the various hues standing out in startling relief against his pale skin, while Bob had even circled his cock with bands of different colours.
"My word! Doesn't he look pretty?" cried Rutherford. "I feel I have been wasting my time hitherto. I ought to have been an artist, and I am certain I should soon get into the Royal Academy."
There was a sally of laughter at this, which made Davenport go still more scarlet, but he said never a word.
"That will do for him, I think," said Rutherford. "We will go and see Lawrence now, or he will be getting annoyed at being left out in the cold."
We accordingly left Davenport to his reflections, and turned towards Lawrence, who had indeed been all this time a not unamused witness of his comrade's sufferings. He did not display the deep annoyance which Davenport had evinced, as we bestowed similar attentions on him, but treated the affair more or less as a joke, laughing a good deal in his aimless way as Bob engaged himself in drawing little patterns on his body with the paintbrush. In spite of his being a tolerably big chap, and not so very many months younger than Davenport, he had hardly a trace of hair yet, and his cock was short, although thick. The tickling effects of the brush were too much for the latter, and it refused to hang down in a becoming manner, but wobbled about half-stiff against his belly, creating a good deal of merriment among the onlookers, who administered sundry little touches to it when opportunity offered, in a sly attempt to increase its erection, so that when Bob had finished, and we all stood in a semicircle around Lawrence, his member lay straight along his belly, pointing towards his navel.
After allowing us to enjoy the spectacle a little longer, Bob considered that we had done enough, and gave orders for the prisoners to be released. Lawrence immediately went to a little pool of water not far off, and damping his handkerchief, proceeded to clean himself, exhibiting no trace of annoyance as he did so. But Davenport's pride had suffered a severe blow, and he looked very black-browed and sullen as he went to follow Lawrence's example.
"There is no need to be cross, Davenport!" said Bob presently, after Davenport and Lawrence had cleansed their bodies and were adjusting their clothes. "I believe you're pretty partial to practising on other people, so you've no right to be upset when the game is played on you. Why, Lawrence here has shown himself ever so much more of a decent chap than you. He's got the good sense to see that neither of you is in the position to make a fuss over the affair. It's all over now, so don't let there be any bad feeling. There's my hand on it;" Davenport took it, though without much appearance of goodwill, and Bob went on, "There's one more thing, Davenport, that I should like to say.. I've been told-it doesn't matter by whom-that there is a little bit too much rough play going on in your dormitory with the younger boys. You know, it's not fair to bully them just because they can't stand up for themselves, and there's nothing particularly grand in it. I don't want to say too much, but we are not used to that kind of thing at Percival's, so I hope there won't be anything more heard about it. You must see for yourself that it's not the right thing! I've never done it, and I don't care to hear about anyone else trying it on."
Davenport muttered some words of excuse and explanation, but Bob said nothing further, and the matter was not referred to again, all of us starting on our way back in a body and on good terms with each other, even Davenport deeming it best after a time to thaw a little and mix in the conversation.
"I don't think we shall hear any more of Davenport trying to come it over the other chaps," said Jimmy, after we had returned and were by ourselves. "He's had a proper setback. My eye! what a figure he did cut-all green and red and blue; and what a sight his ugly, skinny cock was after the way you painted it, Bob! He's had such a take-down, he'll never get over it."
We laughed at the recollection, and Bob said, "Yes! it was rather a joke, wasn't it? And it has done some good, too, I think, for it has taught him his proper place."